Garden City Schools Innovate for Mental Health Awareness Month
A Creative Approach to Mental Health at Locust School
In an inspired effort to acknowledge Mental Health Awareness Month, students at Locust School embarked on a unique journey of discovery. Through an inventive combination of storytelling, art, and technology, first graders delved into emotional well-being concepts. The story “My Magic Breath” served as the cornerstone of this exercise, teaching young minds the power of a cleansing breath to temper anger or frustration.
With the aid of the ChatterPix Kids app, students animated their thoughts, fostering imagination and boosting their communication skills in an inviting, pressure-free environment. This modern twist on a traditional lesson seamlessly married creativity with technology, making mental health a tangible concept for these young learners.
Wellness Week: A Holistic Campaign at Stratford School
Stratford School’s Wellness Week emerged as a flagship event, thoughtfully curated by school social worker Kristyn DeMartinis. Spanning from May 19-22, it featured themed days dedicated to harmony between mind and body. “Mindful Monday,” “Tuneful Tuesday,” and other creative sessions ensured that each day provided fresh insights and activities, culminating in “Wear Green Thursday” to visibly promote mental health advocacy.
The week’s success lay not just in its inventive activities but also in its encouragement of community involvement and awareness. Students engaged with this holistic approach, gaining valuable lessons on self-care and the importance of mental wellness in their daily lives.
Empowering High School Students with Mental Health Tools
At Garden City High School, daily announcements focused on positive affirmations and coping mechanisms resonated within the school community. These messages, reinforced in the digital daily bulletin, offered students strategies to approach each day with mindfulness and positivity.
Peer educators played a pivotal role by leading suicide prevention presentations in 11th grade classrooms. Under the guidance of GCHS social worker Dina Grappone, these sessions empowered students with crucial knowledge, nurturing a supportive environment that encouraged discussion and understanding of mental health issues.
A Lasting Impact on Student Wellbeing
Garden City’s schools offered more than an array of activities—they provided an educational experience that united creativity, technology, and community. By instilling these practices early on, students learn more than just academic subjects; they acquire life skills to manage stress and emotions, embodying the ethos of Mental Health Awareness Month.
These thoughtful engagements reaffirm the commitment of Garden City schools to student well-being, ensuring that mental health remains a priority throughout the educational journey. According to Garden City News, such initiatives highlight the evolving role of educational institutions in championing emotional wellness alongside academic excellence.
